Dosage Recommendation

Customer Technical Service

2015 ECA Change of Fuel Tank Allocation

Traditionally storage of marine distillate fuels on board is confined to one tank, usually located within the engine
room confines. Due to the increased demand on distillate fuels within Emission Control Areas, storage tanks
previously dedicated to residual fuels may need to be used. Obviously these tanks will be severely
contaminated with residual components such as sediments and asphaltenic sludge. It is highly recommended
that these tanks be cleaned prior to this change in tank allocation. This is due to the solvency effect of distillate
fuel, which could act to rapidly purge the system of such components which could cause filter blocking. It
should also be noted that such fuel residues may be high in sulphur, and will contribute to the sulphur content
of the fuel at the engine rail, causing a potential non-compliance.
Innospecs Octamar BT-25 is an asphaltene stabiliser which also contains a dispersant. Use of this additive
for a period prior to this alteration in tank allocation, has demonstrated significant improvements in tank
cleanliness and will provide huge reductions in cleaning requirements. Below are recommendations regarding
dosage rates for operators who currently use, and do not use Octamar BT-25.
Do Not Currently Use Octamar BT-25
Bunker

Dosage Rate

First

1 Litre to 40 Tonnes

Second

1 Litre to 30 Tonnes

Third, Fourth

1 Litre to 20 Tonnes

Fifth

1 Litre to 10 Tonnes

Please note that the frequency of bunker

operations will dictate the total time for this
procedure to be implemented. Based on tank
layout and condition, this may be significantly
reduced - please discuss any changes to the
recommendations with Innospecs technical
department. It is important to note that this
procedure is not intended to remove the
requirement for tank inspection and cleaning prior
to change of use, however it can significantly
reduce cleaning time and associated costs.

For vessels that are already using Octamar BT-25 on continuous basis in the storage tanks (6 months or
longer), the product will have already provided a gentle clean-up. It is recommended that for the last two
bunkers prior to the tank inspection/cleaning, that the dosage is doubled to 1 Litre to 10 Tonnes of fuel.
Further advice:
Fill tanks where possible to 98 % capacity
Reduce the fuel oil separator flow rate and increase fuel temperature to aid separation
Closely monitor automatic back-flushing filters and fuel supply system
Octamar BT-25 should be dosed manually via the sounding pipe/vent pipe into the bunker tank prior
to bunkering operations
Octamar BT-25 is available in 25L Pails or 200L Drums. Please contact your local customer service
centre for more information.
Following the changeover to distillate fuels; it is recommended to use Octamar LI-5 Plus, Innospecs
multifunctional distillate fuel package. The benefits of this product have been independently verified by Lloyds
Register.
The information contained in this document is provided free of charge and is based on technical data that Innospec believes to be reliable. It is intended
for use by persons having technical skill and at their own discretion and risk. Innospec accepts no liability for any loss, damage or expense arising from, or
in connection with, the use of the information. Furthermore, none of the contents of this publication should be taken as a licence to operate under any
patent, nor as a recommendation to infringe any patent.

April 2014